CUSD Newsletter

“IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BECOME WHO YOU WANT TO BE. I HOPE YOU LIVE A LIFE THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF, AND IF YOU FIND THAT YOU’RE NOT, I HOPE YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH TO START OVER."

- F Scott Fitzgerald

Happy Friday, CUSD,

What a great start to the school year we had yesterday! It has been energizing to visit classrooms across the district these past two days and to see students and teachers reconnecting and making new friends. The beginning of a new school year represents opportunities to try new things, meet new people, and renew focus on academic endeavors. On behalf of the entire CUSD staff, thank you for sharing your children with us, it is a responsibility and honor we take seriously. We are committed to meeting each student where they are, and providing every child every day with a connection, a challenge and a champion!

Watching the morning drop-off on the first day of school yesterday was so exciting and we were able to capture many of the ‘first day’ moments across the district in this fun video. Take a look here.

In case you missed it earlier this week, please take some time to read our CUSD Back to School Magazine. The links in this digital publication are live and will help you find valuable information regarding our district and our educational partners.

Our district is a recipient of a State grant called the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). Under this program, based on eligibility, families with children in grades TK-6 can participate in expanded student learning and enrichment outside of the regular school day and year, at no-cost. After school and intersession expanded learning opportunities will be provided through Champions at both Village and Silver Strand Elementary School.

Per ELOP program guidelines, students identified as English Learners, Foster Youth, and Socio-economically disadvantaged students will receive priority eligibility. If funds remain after this initial eligibility group, the program may be offered to additional students. For more information:

Click HERE to complete the form to join our interest list.

Click HERE to learn more about the Champions program at Village and Silver Strand Elementary schools.

Don’t forget to check your school newsletter for Back to School Night dates and times. CHS, CMS, and Village will all host these important events for parents and guardians next week, and Silver Strand is the following week.

Tonight is the home opener for our CHS varsity football team. Come out to Niedermeyer field and cheer on the Islanders! Kick-off is at 7pm. See flyer below for details.

Have a great weekend!

Karl J. Mueller

Superintendent

As our educators, parents, and community come together to connect, challenge, and champion our students, we are humbled by the outpouring of compliments. What a positive testament to our CUSD family!

• Jorge Meja has incredible attention for detail and customer service! He noticed that a regular facility user was missing on the new school year calendar and went the extra mile to check to see if this was an error. The facility user had forgotten to enter the new year request. Had Jorge not noticed something was off, the renter would have arrived to find locked doors. The renter wishes to thank Jorge!
• Great a job Bree Conser and Staff have been doing running the BBMAC. They have been going above and beyond accommodating the extra people and time while the City Pool is being refurbished.
• Mr. Brian Garcia was very welcoming and reassuring as he guided us around the school grounds and explaining thoroughly all of CMS' programs and extra curricular offerings. He promptly replied to messages and displayed professional excellence. Being a high school teacher, I know the demands of any given day, I'm certain he has his too; and yet Mr. Garcia greeted us with the warmest welcome. You are appreciated!
• Amanda Ellison has been so helpful as we make the transition from Tennessee to California. She has gone over and above to help answer any questions and concerns. I am so thankful for her assistance.
• Amanda Ellison: Very busy office week and always welcoming with a smile and patience-- even on her lunch break.
• CUSD Grounds Crew, Luis Osuna and Devin Timmons: Our grounds look amazing!

Click here to recognize an employee or volunteer who goes above and beyond to make a difference. Those who are "caught" will receive a copy of the positive words that were shared about them and a "Caught Being Awesome" decal. Please take a minute or two to brighten someone else's day!

If your student has a CUSD issued Chromebook, you are encouraged to review and consider purchasing the OPTIONAL Mobile Device Protection Plan (MDPP) for the 2024-2025 school year. The annual plan is designed to cover accidental damage of CUSD Chromebooks including screen breakage. In addition, the plan will protect against spills, fire, flood, natural disasters, and theft/loss. Mobile hotspots, power cords, cables, and other accessories are not covered. Intentional damage, improper device storage, and misuse are not covered.

The cost of the plan is $30 per device per year. The plan must be purchased annually at the beginning of each school year or at the time of registration to be valid. To maintain coverage, a new plan must also be purchased if a student is provided with a replacement device due to damage/loss of their previous device. This money will be used to create a dedicated pool of funding to replace or repair covered technology. All money collected through the program will go into a special account that can only be used to replace or repair technology that is covered in the plan. We highly recommend this low-cost protection plan. To purchase a Mobile Device Protection Plan for your student, please use the instructions at the following link: Mobile Device Protection Plan Purchase Instructions.

If you do not purchase the Mobile Device Protection Plan for your student’s device, the following fees will apply should damage occur:

Damage Type and Replacement Cost Plus Tax

Chromebook - Full Replacement $400

Damaged Keyboard $80

Damaged Screen $80

Damaged Motherboard $160

Damaged LCD Bezel $40

Damaged Camera $40

Lost/Damaged Charger* $22

Lost Case* $19

*Accessories are not covered by the Mobile Device Protection Plan.